42 Keynotes March 2025 aloa.org 294 certification is not required only on Delayed Egress Doors in Groups B, F, I, M, R, S and U. Doors in these occupancy groups may require some other certifica- tion, but not UL 294. Doors in occupancy group (E) Education don’t require a UL 294 certification when a delayed egress lock is installed on a classroom door with less than a 50-person occupancy rating and the door is not the primary means of egress from the building. This would be a small classroom or office, not a large (A) assembly room (over 50 occupancy). UL294 can be over-applied. Under- standing of the intent of the code — to require the listing is only where egress is restricted — is essential. If you review the codes, you will find there are differ- ent requirements by both the IBC and the NFPA. Both have multiple sections requiring UL294. There is a great article referencing the codes: Greene, Lori, 2021 UL294 Follow Up iDig Hardware, May 4, 2021. Here are a few key codes to take away from that article on areas of the code requiring UL 294. IBC Sections: 1010.2.11 - An electromagnetic lock released by a switch in door mounted hardware. 1010.2.12 - An electromagnetic lock that is released by a sensor that detects an approaching occupant. 1010.2.7 - A fail safe electrome- chanical lock that allows free egress to a stairwell and can be remotely unlocked on the stair side for stairwell reentry. 1010.2.13 - Delayed egress hardware which delays egress for 15 seconds and allows egress on activation of a fire alarm. NFPA 101 Sections: 7.2.1.5.7 - Remote lock/unlock of a fail- safe electro mechanical lock on stair side for stairwell re-entry. 7.2.1.6.1 - Delayed egress panic hard- ware which delays egress for 15 seconds, that allows immediate egress on a fire alarm. 7.2.1.6.2 - Sensor Release of Electrical Locking Systems. 7.2.1.6.3 - An electromagnetic lock released by a switch in door mounted hardware. IBC 2015 required that delayed egress locks be UL 294 listed. However, NFPA 101 does not require a UL 294 certifi- cation at all locations where electrified hardware might be used. Thankfully, code-compliant equipment is specified by the systems engineer or architect when designing a system. Typically, most system designers are a minimum of National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) cer- tified, so you don’t have to worry about it, right? Wrong. You are still responsible for ensuring compliance. In conjunction with that, the AHJ may have additional requirements that exceed the local code requirements, or they err on the side of safety. The usual question is, “Does the AHJ have that authority?” Yes, the AHJ maintains that right. Even though all these standards directly affect the electronic access con- trol systems, many installers and service personnel working in the electronic security and/or locksmithing industries either do not understand or are unaware of these changes. These codes and stan- dards now cover all the following topics: delayed egress systems, power supplies, power supply combination panels, key- pads, biometric readers, card readers, electric strikes, electrified exit devices and kits used to electrify existing hard- ware. There are also codes and standards for the door cords, electrified hinges, sounders, exit signs and even the signage on the door. You need to understand all of this to effectively install and maintain electronic access control systems. UL Listings Versus Fire Rated Electronic locks are not all treated the same. Some locks, although similar in usage and application, have different specifications and grading for physical attack resistance, fire rating or other essential requirements. Additionally, some devices are designed only for use on a residential burglary system. They are not rated for commercial use, nor are they designated as a life safety device. Electronic locks and hold-open devices that integrate a fire alarm control panel (FACP) with an electronic access control panel require things such as end-of-line supervision for the power and detection loop. They will also have specific oper- ational requirements that are listed in NFPA 72, UL 1076 and UL 294. FIGURE 6. This is a fire-rated electric door strike that can be used on either a UL1034 certified door or a UL294 certified door. In this case, what makes the difference is the fire rating.
